Hardest You'll Work for So Little Pay - Sales Associate REI Employee Review

2.0
Apr 6, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Like minded people. Pro deals. Knowledge gain. Some unique training experiences. Fair opportunities to advance...if you're willing to put in the hours. Two "Yay Days"--time to spend outside with six hours of pay for each.

Cons

Poor communication from leadership at HQ on down. My schedule's been changed more than a few times with NO communication (except, "Hey, why aren't you at work today?"), You must comply with specific schedule requirements, such as working one day on the weekend, open or close, and 16 hours a week, UNLESS you're one of the "chosen." We have a person who doesn't work weekends AT ALL, and others who don't work the minimum. In the end, given the pay and the nonsense one has to deal with, it's still just a McJob. There is much talk about "work-life balance," which is great, except when it doesn't suit their needs. Then it becomes, "Sorry we're not honoring our deal, but we're short staffed and we need you be here and give up your free time."

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
Jun 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good managers, deals, coworkers, products

Cons

No cons, I really liked my time.

3.0
May 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most coworkers, some managers, discounts, outfitting people properly without extra nonsense

Cons

Some truly horrible managers, pressure to sell credit cards is a morale killer, the union people. Employees drinking the union kool aid fail to see the company’s position, REI cannot give higher pay, better benefits , consistent hours, etc… with the erratic revenue stream that comes in , if a 5 year average is X in revenue and 5 year average is Y on wages and costs, how are they supposed to increase wages and benefits? It’s numbers and they don’t line up, if REI gives the increases which increases the expenses greatly, they will cut staff, a lot fewer employees which will eliminate a bunch of union supporters, an REI job is not supposed to be a lucrative deal, when you get hired the part time , part time plus and full time options are there and you choose what you want fully understanding what hours you are going to get at minimum, they will hire those positions on a need basis, to cry later that you don’t make enough money is your fault, the terms were clear and you signed off on them. The union is promising rainbows , reality will be far different, careful what you wish for

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